True human-like tactile emulation technology aims to replicate human sensory experience. The study includes human-like fabric tactile simulators that can perceive and adjust interface forces and temperatures by changing hardness, size, surface morphology and thermal properties at mm- and cm-scales. Various operating mechanisms of tactile sensory simulation are explored, from which fiber-based multi-mode tactile sensory emulation wearable devices are developed together with their applications. This leads to a new research direction that further enhances the level of scientific and technological innovation for healthcare, Internet of Things, smart cities, art technology, robotics, education, sports, personal protection, fashion, textiles and entertainment.
Professor Xiaoming Tao is the founding director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and the Chair Professor of Textile Technology, at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She is a fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Engineering, the Textile Institute, the International Society for Advanced Materials, Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Focused on smart fibrous materials, devices, and intelligent wearable systems, she has published over 400 papers in journals like Nature and Advanced Materials. Some 20 inventions have been applied in industries worldwide, including 9 start-up companies.
Clean water and clean air are vital for public health. This project focuses on developing high-efficiency and environmentally sustainable filters for removing harmful air/water pollutants. The team has developed novel architectures and functionalities for the filters to achieve high permeance, high removal efficiency, and excellent reusability.
